November 4, 2024 • 40 mins
We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!
The physical risks of the always overachieving work life — and how to avoid them. With our guest Dr. Janna Koretz - a psychologist who specializes in treating patients in high-pressure careers.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. What do you need to know about the disease. With Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger - Ph.D., Gerontologist and Caregiving Advocate.
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate seeks to educate the public about the important role of the Senate and foster participatory democracy, civil discourse, and good government. Our guest was Adam Hinds - CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate.
November is National Family Caregiver Month; Advice for caregivers. Dan was joined by Bob Coughlin – podcast host of, In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving.
Ask Alexa to play WBZ NewsRadio on #iHeartRadio and listen to NightSide with Dan Rea Weeknights From 8PM-12AM!
The physical risks of the always overachieving work life — and how to avoid them. With our guest Dr. Janna Koretz - a psychologist who specializes in treating patients in high-pressure careers.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. What do you need to know about the disease. With Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger - Ph.D., Gerontologist and Caregiving Advocate.
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate seeks to educate the public about the important role of the Senate and foster participatory democracy, civil discourse, and good government. Our guest was Adam Hinds - CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate.
November is National Family Caregiver Month; Advice for caregivers. Dan was joined by Bob Coughlin – podcast host of, In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving.
Ask Alexa to play WBZ NewsRadio on #iHeartRadio and listen to NightSide with Dan Rea Weeknights From 8PM-12AM!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
It's Night Side with Dan Ray. I'm WBS Boston's.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
News radio Nicole. Who is this Taylor Swift person you're
talking about. Hi, good evening, everybody. Welcome on any and
there for the football game or what are you there for?
I don't know. I don't know. I'm not watching a
football game, that's for sure. I'm doing the show. My
name is Dan Ray, and we are here every Monday
through Friday night from eight until midnight. We start off
(00:27):
the first hour talking with four guests. They're all newsmakers
of some sort. Some of them are breaking newsmakers, others
are topics that provide very important information. My most important
information tonight, besides telling you my name is Dan Ray.
I'm the host of Nice Side with Dan Ray as
we work our way through year number eighteen here in WBZ,
(00:48):
Boston's news radio. But Rob Brooks, our producer, is back.
We had some nice work last week by Dan and
Noah who were in the booth, and Rob is always
welcome back, Rob, We always mischief. Dan and Noah did
a nice job throughout the week. Allow you the well
deserved vacation week. Rob is a big Halloween guy. In
(01:08):
case you haven't figured this out and that becomes sort
of his holiday week every year. You know it's going
to be Halloween. So let us start off with our
guests tonight. Later on tonight, we're gonna talk a lot
of politics. Obviously, this is election eve, there's no question
about that. We'll be talking the first hour about the
Massachusetts ballid questions. We may hear from you on one
(01:28):
if you're particularly interested in one that you particularly support
or oppose. And then a little bit later on we'll
get into maybe some predictions. Maybe we'll ask some people
to tell us what the magic number will be in
which candidate will get to seventy or more. We'll explain
all of that. We have lots to talk about, and
of course tomorrow night we will have some great programming
here during nightside. We're going to be joined by the
(01:49):
news team. We're going to be joined by national reporters.
I've lined up some special guests, so we got lots
going on. But first off, let's welcome doctor Janet Chortz.
Doctor Kortz, you are a psychologist who specializes in treating
patients in high pressure careers, and you're also founder of
(02:09):
the Boston Psychiatry Practice ASIMA welcome to Nightside. First of all,
how are you tonight?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
I'm doing well. How are you?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I'm doing great. I'm doing great at least it's but
it's early, it's only Monday. Let's let's look at it
like that, right. Tell us about Asimuth Psychological, which I
guess is your practice or you're with a group at
that at that practice.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Yeah, yes, I'm the founder of the practice and it's
a group of psychologists and we help people in high
pressure careers. So we're pretty familiar with the nuances of
a lot of different domains of a lot of high
pressure careers. You know, law, finance, consulting, certainly those are
heavy ones, but academ you a startups, biotech show hosts,
(02:59):
taka well, entertainment is another industry we actually see quite
a few people, and so we are able to sort
of help people navigate the nuances and stresses of those things.
But often that's about a lot of other things. So
we're also able to help with us step underneath as well.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Okay, so the subtopic is here the physical risks of
the always overachieving work life and how to avoid them.
So there are a lot of people who take their
jobs very seriously. I'm sure that you take your job
very seriously. How do you know when you have gone
over the edge and all of a sudden your job
(03:37):
is interfering with the rest of your life. It has
to interact with the rest of your life. At what
point do you cross that rubicon from acting and interacting
with to interfering.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Yeah, So we talk a lot about career enveashment, which
is when people's whole identity becomes wrapped up in their
career and so they don't really have anything else. And
so the way in which we sort of have people
self identify that is by three main questions. One is,
if you go to a party or you know, meet
some friends with friends, or really go anywhere social and
(04:14):
people are introducing each other, what do you say about
yourself if someone asks about you? Can you come up
with anything that's not about your job? So that's a
big one that we talk about. Another one is how
would you feel if you lost your job today? Because
you know, a lot of times people go the way
people arrived us is their company is acquired, or they've
(04:35):
missed a promotion or something like that, and they no
longer have this job that they've so heavily relied on,
and so then they sort of fall apart because their
whole identity is now in question. That's another one. How
do you spend your time when you're not really supposed,
you know, when you don't have to be working. Because
even people in high pressure careers are over two years
(04:55):
as you call them, there's always time in someone's day
when one does not have to be working. And so
what is happening during that time? Are people choosing to work,
do they feel compelled to work, do they like to work?
And what's going on in that time? Is there anything
else that people are doing to spend their time. So
those are kind of the three main ways we sort
of enter into that conversation.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Okay, now, if you talk about, for example, the people
that we know about, let's say, the successful football coaches,
the Bill Belichicks of the world. They obviously Belichick was
known for showing up at work, the first guy there
and the last guy out of the room. Dustin Pedroia
(05:37):
when he played for the Red Sox, he was always
the first guy in the locker room and the last
to leave. And a lot of that is the commitment
that people have to excellence. So how do you distinguish
between someone who has a commitment to excellence an an
overachiever who has gone too far? How do you draw
(05:58):
that line? I mean, there's a lot of people, as
you know, who go to work, they work their eight hours,
they go home and that's it. They really turn it off.
That's one extreme, or people who have never worked could
be in one extreme, and then you have the over
achievers on the other. Look, you look at the job
(06:19):
of you know that will be contested tomorrow, the President
of the United States twenty four seven, the toughest job
in the world. Yeah, I mean, don't we as Americans
always aspire to doing the best job we can, whether
we're an auto mechanic or Taylor Swift for example.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Well, you're talking about specific roles and jobs that are
sort of unique and one off, if you will. You know,
there aren't that many professional athletes, there aren't that many
football coaches. There's only one president, and so there are
certain jobs that require a lot more o.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
The lawyers you taught you mentioned lawyers, Sure, so doctors
in that situation that you always cat continuing education and
all of that. I'm sure you know of what.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
I speak well, right, So The second part of what
I was going to say is that commitment to excellence
does not necessarily it does not equal more time. That
those two things are not always the same. So just
because you want to be excellent at your job does
not mean to spend twenty four hours day doing your job.
Those things don't necessarily go together, and in fact, oftentimes
(07:29):
they do not go together, because most people don't function
their best when all they're doing is one thing, especially
if that thing is extremely stressful, because aside from psychological
impacts that we know about, you know, the physical impacts
of chronic stress are well documented as well, and so
people literally fall apart from the inside out when they
work that hard that often. And so.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I started, I didn't mean to go ahead, you were
completing No.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
No, no, that's okay, go ahead, no. No.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
What I was trying to get at was I think
you've provided with us with a lot of good information
and something to think about. I'm wondering if there's a
website because a lot of people who listen to our
interviews here, which in some cases should be longer, and
maybe we'll have you back if you'd be willing to
(08:17):
do an hour with phone calls. This is an hour
which is for interviews, so I don't get the interaction
of my audience, which I like to do in some
with some topics including this, is there a website you
can refer people too where they could kind of follow
up on their own tomorrow or a book that you
(08:38):
that you'd suggest that people might want to also avail
themselves off.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Well, if you're interested in our website, I picked the
world's most difficult name of a company to spell out,
but as mepsyche dot com, so it's easy. I m
U t hpsych dot com. That's where all of our
central hubs. You'll find all of our clinicians, things we've written,
all of our media. Also, we have some really great
(09:05):
free tools, including a career meshment test, a burnout test,
and a values navigator because we do a lot of
values based work, so that's a good one. And we
have some other things coming out like apps and things
coming in the new year. But that's where the most
of our central hub of publication is to get to
figure out more about what we do and if all
(09:28):
of these things might apply to you. There's also some
resources there about other places books to read, things like that.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
So, and asthmuth, what what brought you to that term?
I'm looking the definition up at angle between a fixed
point and the vertical circle that passes through the center
of an object. Well, I can see how you get
the site. Trust me on that.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Yeah, yeah, yes, So we kind of took a little
liberty in in the definition. But basically people often use
that mathematical calculation for navigating boats way back when before
all the GPS and all ourself ones and such, and
so basically that's right. So asthmas is basically the difference
(10:16):
between where you are and where you want to be.
The difference between those two things is an asthma, and
so we're just trying to help people get from where
they are to wherever it is they want to be.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
That's great, doctor Janet Koritz of Asimuth Psychological A z
I m U T H psych P s y cch
dot com. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the conversation
and it will make me reconsider how hard I'm marking.
Thanks so much, doctor, I appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Right, You're welcome, Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
November, of course, every month has some causes. In November
is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and we're going to talk with
doctor Lakelan Ikeenburger. She's a gerontologist and a here giving expert.
Right after the break again, this is the Alzheimer's Awareness Month,
and it's something that affects a lot of people and
(11:08):
a lot of families. We'll talk with doctor Eikenberger right
after this break here on a Monday night edition of Nightside.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
Now back to Dan Ray Live from the Window World
nights Side Studios on WBZ News Radio.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
November, amongst other things, is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and we're
going to talk with doctor Lakelan Iickenberger, who's a gerontologist
and a caregiving advocate. Doctor Eichenberger, welcome to Nightside. How
are you?
Speaker 5 (11:39):
By damn well? Thanks? How are you?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Which is great? How many people in America are directly
impacted by Alzheimer's not talking about familiar relations, but how
many individuals have Alzheimer's.
Speaker 5 (11:58):
Well, there's nearly six milllion people living with Alzheimer's or
another type of dementia here in the US. And you're right,
that's not even including family members that are also impacted.
Sometimes people say when one person has a diagnosis, the
family has a diagnosis because there is a lot that
impacts the family as well as the individual. So you know,
(12:20):
six million people living with the disease, and then there's
about sixteen million caring for those that are living with
the disease.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
So we talk about Alzheimer's, I assume that under that
phrase or that title is dementia. Correct, you know, it's.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Actually the reverse. So Alzheimer's is a type of dementia.
So dementia is kind of an umbrella term, and then
there's different types, but Alzheimer's is the most common form
of dementia.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
So if Alzheimer's impacts six million individuals out of a
population of three hundred and thirty million people, that's a
little less than two percent. How much greater? How bigger
is the umbrella dementia? Just so I understand which is bigger?
Speaker 5 (13:07):
You know, that's a really good question. I think as
we're learning more about the various types of dementia, we're
realizing that, you know, while there's the six million that
are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it likely also includes a lot
of the other dementias as well. A lot of people
they're living with some sort of cognitive impairment, but maybe
(13:27):
aren't getting that official diagnosic, So it is actually kind
of hard to pinpoint the exact number, but we are
looking in the millions, probably around the six to eight
million marks.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Is Alzheimer's a spectrum disease? And when I say a
spectrum disease, I think of something like multiple sclerosis, where
you can have people who get on a scale of
zero to ten, they get a ten and it's horrific.
And yet there are people who are diagnosed with multiple
sclerosis and they live a fairly normal life. I'm assuming
(14:06):
that with Alzheimer's the diagnosis is always progressive.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Yes, generally that is the case. So you will see
somebody progress through the various stages, and some have more
symptoms or dementilated behaviors than others. You know, some might
have no still kind of a mild manner about them
as they progress to the disease. Others will have a
(14:34):
severe change in their personality and perhaps get aggressive or angry.
So there are different symptoms that can show up amongst
different individuals. But you're right, it is progressive in nature,
meaning that over time the person will eventually experience decline.
And because there's no cure, the person will eventually pass
(14:57):
away from Alzheimer's disease or complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Is there any way to slow down the Has there
been any advances in slowing down the progress of Alzheimer's And.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
That's what's really exciting. I think about this point in
time as we're starting to see more treatments for Alzheimer's disease,
and most recently we're seeing treatments for the very early
stages of Alzheimer's disease, and certain people would qualify.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
So you know, if you've.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
Progressed far enough into the disease and that treatment likely
is it right for you? But if you're able to
get that diagnosis early on and you're a candidate for
that type of treatment, there are some treatments that are
showing a slowing in the progression of the disease. So
it's really an exciting time now.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
My understanding is that there was a period of time
when Alzheimer's disease could not definitively be diagnosed except in
a post modem ought because they were looking for evidence
of I believe plaque on the brain, if I'm not mistaken.
Has that now changed.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
You know, we are seeing more sophisticated methods of diagnosis.
So you're right, at one point in time, you know,
the most definitive way to diagnosis after someone has passed
away to you know, open up the brain and examine it.
But now there are various diagnostic tools like pet scams
(16:28):
that can help really provide a more clear image of
the brain and help identify those plaques entangles, amyloid and
how in the brains that are kind of the hallmark
symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. So we are seeing more sophisticated diagnosis,
and I think what's really exciting is and this is
(16:51):
not out yet for public use, but researchers are looking
into various blood tests or other biomarkers that could make
the diagnostic process, you know, more accessible and just kind
of an easier process as opposed to having to travel
(17:12):
to where a pet skin is available and that sort
of thing. So I think if you if we fast
forward five years from now, we'll be having a very
different conversation. I think there will be a lot more
in the realm of diagnostics for Alzheimer's and other types
of dimensions.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
What percentage of the Alzheimer's diagnoses are genetic, and are
any of the diagnoses non genetic? And of the ones
that are not genetic, can they be avoided by diet exercise?
Is that? What can anyone do either who has been told, hey,
(17:49):
it runs in your family, or is fearful that, even
though it doesn't run in their family, that they may
feel what can I do to prevent that? Or is
there is there any Is there any magic potion? When
I say potion, I better diet, exercise, better sleep patterns?
Speaker 4 (18:07):
An yes.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
So as far as kind of the the risk factors
i'll call them of Alzheimer's use, I don't have the
exact percentages right in front of me, but we do
know the greatest risk factor is age, so as we
get older, the risk of developing Alzheimer's for me does increase.
We also know that family history can increase your risk,
(18:33):
So if it runs in your families, you have a
parent or sibling, you could have an increased risk of
Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. There's also a gene,
the apo lea four gene that could increase the risk
of dementia. But for all of those cases that I've
just mentioned, it doesn't ever guarantee that you will get it.
(18:55):
It just increases your risk. And then there is a
gene that's in a very very small percentage of the
population that significantly increases your risk, if not guarantees that
evil develop it. But again it's a very very very
small subset of the population. But the good news is,
and you alluded to it, Dan, is lifestyle. There's so
(19:16):
much we are learning about how our lifestyle can reduce
our risk of developing the mentioned down the road. So
even if you do have a family history, even if
you do have that equalia for gene, if you start
these kind of lifestyle risk reduction habits early on in
your life, you can reduce the risk. And it's actually
(19:37):
never too late to start these risk reduction habits, things
like diet, as you mentioned exercise. Exercise is so good
for the brain. Also making sure you're getting enough sleep,
that you continue to engage socially and to challenge your
brain to learn new things. So those kinds of lifestyle
interventions can again help reduce the risk, which I think
(20:01):
is good news for us all.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
It's always great to end on a positive and you
certainly provided a lot of clear information I just am delighted.
We don't rehearse these interviews. You obviously know exactly how
to present yourself. You did a great job, Dr Eichenberger.
And maybe some night I can have you back and
(20:24):
we can do an hour and take phone calls in
this hour of the program. We specifically avoid phone calls
because the time for the interviews for separate interviews are
relatively short. But I might have my producer reach back
if possible. Is there anywhere that you'd like to refer
people to a website, a book of any sort that
(20:45):
people could use as an additional resource to this interview
or to just I guess at Alzheimer's website, Alzheimer's Foundation
of America, for example.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
Yeah, well, Dan, I would be happy to come back anytime.
And there are various Alzheimer's related organizations. The Alzheimer's Association
ALV dot org is a great one. And then on
our home instead dot com website, we also have some
informative resources on kind of those risk reduction lifestyle factors,
but also all types of dementia related care tips as well.
(21:19):
So you can visit home in said dot com to
learn about those. When that went, buy me a little
home home what dot com home instead? Like, do you
want to stay home instead of going anywhere else?
Speaker 2 (21:30):
YEP, okay, H O, M E I N S T
A D dot com Dotdikenberg really enjoyed the conversation. Tough subject,
but I think you've you've made some people think tonight,
which is what we're all about here on Nightside.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
Thank you so much, Thank you, very welcome.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
When we get back, we're going to talk with the
CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate.
It's located right over by the JFK Library. I'm going
to talk with Adam Hines, former state senator here in Massachusetts,
who is the CEO of their effort to educate the
public about the important role of the Senate and foster
participatory democracy, civil discourse, and good government. Of course, this
(22:09):
on the eve of the twenty twenty four presidential election.
Timing is perfect. We'll talk with former Massachusetts state Senator
Adam Hines right after this break at news at the
bottom of the hour.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
You're on Night Side with Dan Ray on w b Z,
Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Delighted to welcome Adam Hines. He's the CEO of the
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, Former Massachusetts
State Senator Adam Welcome to Nightside. How are you, sir.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Great to be here. The timing is good for talking
about elections and all things democracy.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
No doubt, no doubt. One of the themes of this show,
and I think you'll identify with that, is that when
you and I were in school, and I was in
school probably long before you, we actually look learned about
the Bill of Rights and the Constitution and the way
the government works, and the balance of power and the legislative,
(23:08):
the judicial, and the executive and all of that. And
I think that a lot of schools have backed off
of that. Now. I've been at the Kennedy Institute, as
a matter of fact, was able to moderate a program
there a few years ago, and tell us about the
role that this institute, which is right next door to
(23:29):
the JF. Kennedy Library out of Columbia Point, plans to play.
It's a beautiful facility, by the way, and the room
that is it was the epitome of the United States Senate.
You felt you were on the floor of the US Senate.
It's a magnificent room. Tell us about it all.
Speaker 6 (23:45):
That's right. It's an exact replica, one to one scale
of the United States Senate. There's only one other one
in the world that exists, and that is the center
of a lot of our programming. And every year we
work with twenty thousandstudents. They become a Senator for a day,
and it's powerful and important. To your point. One of
(24:07):
the first bills that I voted on was the Massachusetts
Civics Reform and Requirement. But Massachusetts is in the minority.
Civics education is being cut across the country, and so
we shouldn't be surprised when we see some of the
polls that have come out that show, you know, less
than one third of millennials think that it is essential
(24:28):
to live in a democracy. I mean, it's just amazing.
And it's one poll after another show that either our
understanding amongst our youth or their commitment to democracy is
being undermined. And so that's that's a big piece of
the Institute. Really. In the last couple of years, we've
(24:49):
we've stood up a range of new programs focusing on democracy.
We've we've locked elbows with the Institute of three former
Republican senators being McCain, Dole, and Hatch to really dig
into ways that we can make sure that the United
States Senate is functioning. We're working with former senators and
current senators and making sure that we're modeling deliberation and
(25:13):
so that our governing institutions function well. And that's just
as critical protecting democracy as anything else. If folks don't
see that the government is representing them and standing up
for them, then their faith and democracy starts to be
tested as well. So an incredible set of programs that
we have running right now, and it feels as timely
(25:35):
has ever given the state of our democracy.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
Yeah, one of the numbers you quoted, how many high
school students get an opportunity to visit your institute every year?
What's the number right now?
Speaker 6 (25:47):
Sixteen thousand come through the doors, and then we do
about then we work with about six thousand more across
the country virtually. I'll give you an example. Just last week,
we had about thousand students from across the country talking
with each other in eight different states, or from eight
different states talking with each other about the pros and
(26:08):
cons of the electoral college. And and so that's a
new since COVID, a new way we're engaging and making
sure that we were getting into just about every state
in the country and teaching them and working with them
on their their understanding of our democracy.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
So the students that come through the doors, because when
you come through the doors and again you experience the Senate,
it's it's just an amazing experience. Are they all from
Massachusetts or from across New England? What's what's the sort
of geographical reach And obviously with zoom and all of that,
you can reach everywhere around the world, but what is
the geographical reach of people student programs that come in
(26:48):
through the doors.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
Yeah, you wouldn't be surprised to hear that there's a
large concentration in Massachusetts and New England. But boyle boy,
I'm surprised because we the given year, we can probably
have twenty one different states represented in the students coming
into the institute itself, and so the you know, there's
a real commitment amongst teachers and schools across the country
(27:13):
and we get to work with them one on one,
which is just gram Now.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
I think most people in Massachusetts and certainly well New England,
but certainly Massachusetts have at some point visited the Kennedy Library.
I actually it was the Channel four's host the day
that the Kennedy Library was formerly open, when President Jimmy
Carter came and spoke back in fifteen seventy seventy nine,
which was a very memorable memory of that occasion. Well,
(27:42):
that was the time when Ted Kennedy was about to
announce his challenge of Carter. It was very it was
a historic moment, obviously in a very significant moment, but
it is people. People can visit the Kennedy Library as
individuals and his families can that be done at the
Kennedy institut t as well the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
(28:03):
for the Senate as well.
Speaker 6 (28:05):
Yeah, it's great to hear you talk about opening day.
We're at our ten year anniversary is coming up to
twenty twenty five, and so keep on the lookout. We'll
be giving you updates on the major events that we'll
be taking on throughout the year.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
So our bread and butter right now is the students
that come through and we do a number of public
programs and right now anyone can come in by appointment,
and we're about to restore a broader set of hours
during the week, during business hours for a walk in.
So we have a pretty lively museum. You know, we
(28:40):
mentioned the Senate Chamber, but there's also the Senator's office,
and the vision has been how do you make sure
that people know how the Senate functions even though we're
working across the government on people's awareness specific education, and
so the museum aspects have this interactive advanced technology to
allow you to interact with how the Senate functions as well.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
I'm going to throw an idea, right, I'm sure you
probably have thought of this and you have dismissed it.
What are the chances do you think of actually having
a US Senate session fly the US the United States
Center up and have them spend I'm serious, I know
I love that. Have you thought I'm sure if someone has,
I'm not the first who suggested that. Obviously, logistically it
(29:25):
would be very difficult.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
I assume it is.
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Well, here's an exciting thing that we did this summer.
We had two senators debating each other. Chuck Todd moderated
between Bill kaz the Republican of Louisiana, and Sheldon white House,
Democratic Rhode Island, and they were on c SPAN debating
from the chamber and so that it had a feel
of being the actual Senate session, and we do that regularly.
(29:50):
I should say that that's one of our programs we
do with the Hatch Foundation and our news partners, typically
Fox News. It's also been CBS and c SPAN to
model deliberation and debate for the nation. And we haven't
talked about having the full Senate session in there, but
we have talked about, you know, maybe hearings and other
(30:12):
high profile events that could benefit from the location like that.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
What were Cassidy and white House debating, I hope with
something more exciting than the name of a post office.
The subject was in dispute, if you recall.
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Yeah, it was basically the climate and energy China. We
allow the senators to choose one topic each and the
moderator to choose a topic. And you know, last September
we had Marco Rubio and Chris Coons debating on CBS
and they similarly went the direction of having a foreign
policy topic and a domestic policy topic. And I'll say this,
(30:51):
when they get in person and talk, they often say
thank you for doing this because right now division is
impacting the Senate to such a dramatic degree that we
can't even you know, have this debate in the arena
of the Senate itself. We can't bring bills to the
floor effectively and even filing amendments. Now, the division in
our country is starting to impact the functioning of our Senate.
(31:13):
And that's what we're working on with the McCain Institute
and making sure that you know our group of we
have a group of former senators who are really working
with us to see what we can do to make
for changes in the Senate so that it's working well.
And so we have a pretty robust and growing setup.
Programs focus on democracy. I should say this. The third
(31:34):
one is because tomorrow's election day. With the Bob Dole
Institute out in Kansas, we're about to announce next week,
I guess I'm announcing it now, a report that's on
the horizon around how do we bolster the funding of
our elections infrastructure because right now tomorrow, eight thousand jurisdiction
(31:55):
elections jurisdictions across the country are largely going to be
run by volunteer years, largely going to be run in
small towns by clerks and others who take on four
or five different jobs, and it's a lot of work,
and we don't invest in our basic foundations of our democracy,
and that's a problem. So we're doing a lot of
(32:16):
work in that regard as well.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
All right, well, Adam, I appreciate it very much. Adam Hines,
who is the CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
for the US Senate. If you get a chance, folks,
it's a wonderful trip to go to both the Kennedy
Library and the Kennedy Institute for the US Senate. Adam,
thanks very much, appreciate your time tonight.
Speaker 6 (32:34):
Thanks love, Thanks for having me on.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
You're very welcome. We'll come back and talk about November
being National Family Caregiver Month. Yes, different subjects can be
the focus in particular months. Early we talked about Alzheimer's
who were in this month. This is similar National Family
Caregiver Month. Going to talk with Bob Coughlin. He is
the co host of a podcast called In Sickness Men
(32:56):
in the Culture of Caregiving. Back on Night's Side right
after this.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Now back to Dan ray Mine from the Window World
Nightsides CEOs on WBZ.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
The news radio November is, amongst other things, National Family
Caregiver Month, an event that is recognized with an official
proclamation by the White House with us as Bob Coughlin,
he is the co host of a podcast entitled In
Sickness Men in the Culture of Caregiving. Bob Coughlin, Welcome
to Night's Side. You are a caregiver. You've also been
(33:29):
very much involved in the Massachusetts political scene and also
you the CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Organization, but you
have had the caregiving experience. Tell us about your experience
as a caregiver and why it is so important for
men also to understand that they have a role in
(33:50):
the culture of caregiving.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (33:53):
Absolutely, and thanks for having me Dan. And you know,
I was involved in government here in Massachusetts and the
CEO of mass and a lot of people didn't realize
the reason I got into that line of work and
was an advocate in the House and an advocate at
mass Bio for Patients is because twenty two years ago
my wife and I found out we were going to
have a child with cystic fibrosis. And you know, immediately
(34:14):
both her and I were thrust into that role of
caregivers and it's such an important thing and there's a
lot of areas that needed to be addressed, and that's
how we got into the idea of having this podcast.
It was actually Paul Kidwell, someone who I met while
at mass Bio. He was in the communications team over
at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and his wife is battling chronic illness
(34:36):
and he was a caregiver and we would talk about
it quite a bit, and just as of lady said,
wouldn't it be great to create a platform and a
place for men who are caregivers to you know, get
feedback and be part of the discussion and learn from
some successes and some mistakes. And it's been quite successful.
It's been very therapeutic and enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
How long have you been involved in the podcast.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
We've had the podcast. Yeah, they've been doing it for
about a year now, and you know, it's been real
interesting and it's you know, it says in sickness men
in the culture of caregiving. And this isn't about men
versus women or anything like that. I mean, women have
predominantly been known as caregivers, but there's so many times
when you know, spouses, a wife will get sick or
(35:24):
a mom or dad will get sick, or a child
is sick, and you know, we just thought that would
be really interesting to bring in men caregivers and women
caregivers and talk about how we can learn from them.
So when they're doing about a year, we've had some
real interesting guests on the show, and we've focused on
cancer and Alzheimer's and you know, as of late, we've
(35:46):
been talking a lot about caregiver burnout, you know, and
what is it that you can do to avoid burning
out when you're trying to work, provide for a family
and care for a loved one.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
I think all of us are familiar with the name
cystic fibrosis. Your son has made tremendous progress, has recently
graduated from college and is now out in the workplace
on his own. So yours is a story of great
sacrifice but also great success.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Yeah, it's amazing. It's really come full circle, Dan and
the advances and your earlier guests, when doctor Eichenberger was
talking about Alzheimer's. In hopefully five years from now, it's
going to be a totally different story. Well, the transformation
that we've seen in the care for cystic fibrosis. With
local biotech companies like Vertex and local heroes like Joe
(36:42):
O'Donnell who has raised so much money for research for
cystic fibrosis, we've been able to transform this disease. And
my son Bobby took his first dose of a DOUG,
a drug cult tri Capita that took eighteen years to invent.
It took his first dose it would be five years
November eight and since that day, he's grown, you know,
(37:04):
twelve inches, gained about fifty pounds, his lung function's gone
back to what it was when he was just four
years old, and he's graduated from college and now he's
actually working as a patient advocate and membership professional at
mass Bio here in Massachusetts. So it's just truly we're
filled with gratitude and and yeah, it is a great ending.
(37:25):
A lot of the times these stories don't have a
good ending like that, but that's something you know that
my wife and I and our family's very grateful for.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
Well, we all know the success of the Joey Fund,
and with Joe and Kathy O'Donnell, yes, I went through
as well as their son Joey. And as you said,
the millions of dollars that Joe O'Donnell raised, unfortunately lost.
Joe was such a great many here and you know
(37:54):
from Boston, you know great you know, Harvard football and
baseball player, tremendous business success, and yet they were they
were caregivers.
Speaker 6 (38:05):
Just that's right.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
There has to be for all the families out there
to understand the sacrifice. But also, I guess the satisfaction
of knowing that they're standing by their child or they're
standing by their spouse. Talk about the satisfaction number one,
and then let's talk about what needs to be done
going forward.
Speaker 4 (38:27):
If you can, well, you know, in my whole life,
there's nothing more rewarding than being able to provide and
be there for my child. I think that's what any
parent would do. And you know, when you talk with
other folks who are taking care of a parent or
a spouse or a child, you know, to have that
(38:48):
group of folks that you can share the successes and
more importantly, dan share some of the failures. And you know,
when we talk about some of the challenges that caregivers face,
when you think of the mental stress, the physical exhaustion,
the isolation, that loneliness, never mind the financial burden and
trying to balance your job and when you feel like
(39:11):
nobody else in the world understands what you're going through.
There are so many people out there that do understand,
because in some shape or form, we all become a
caregiver at some point. Right, it's inevitable that that's never.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
I'm running out of time. We should have okay, more time,
but let me ask you give us the podcast and
how can folks find it?
Speaker 4 (39:32):
Yeah, the podcast is called In Sickness Men in the
Culture of Caregiving. It's available on all podcast platforms, including iHeartRadio.
You can visit our websites insickness dot org for any
other information. And it's it's really everybody should listen. It's
it's really a good program to listen to for anyone
who's going to be in the caregiving mode.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
Bobble, congratulations to you a family, you and your family,
and congratulations to your son on his perseverance and success.
Speaker 4 (40:01):
Really enjoy Thanks so much, Dan, thank you.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
Thank you so much for everything you've done. Bob Coughlin,
the podcast host of In Sickness Men and the Culture
of Caregiving. When we get back, we're going to talk
about the story of the night in that selection eve,
A lot going on in the next twenty four forty
eight seventy two hours. We'll see. We will start our
special election coverage right after the nine o'clock news are
(40:26):
on night Side
It's Night Side with Dan Ray. I'm WBS Boston's.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
News radio Nicole. Who is this Taylor Swift person you're
talking about. Hi, good evening, everybody. Welcome on any and
there for the football game or what are you there for?
I don't know. I don't know. I'm not watching a
football game, that's for sure. I'm doing the show. My
name is Dan Ray, and we are here every Monday
through Friday night from eight until midnight. We start off
(00:27):
the first hour talking with four guests. They're all newsmakers
of some sort. Some of them are breaking newsmakers, others
are topics that provide very important information. My most important
information tonight, besides telling you my name is Dan Ray.
I'm the host of Nice Side with Dan Ray as
we work our way through year number eighteen here in WBZ,
(00:48):
Boston's news radio. But Rob Brooks, our producer, is back.
We had some nice work last week by Dan and
Noah who were in the booth, and Rob is always
welcome back, Rob, We always mischief. Dan and Noah did
a nice job throughout the week. Allow you the well
deserved vacation week. Rob is a big Halloween guy. In
(01:08):
case you haven't figured this out and that becomes sort
of his holiday week every year. You know it's going
to be Halloween. So let us start off with our
guests tonight. Later on tonight, we're gonna talk a lot
of politics. Obviously, this is election eve, there's no question
about that. We'll be talking the first hour about the
Massachusetts ballid questions. We may hear from you on one
(01:28):
if you're particularly interested in one that you particularly support
or oppose. And then a little bit later on we'll
get into maybe some predictions. Maybe we'll ask some people
to tell us what the magic number will be in
which candidate will get to seventy or more. We'll explain
all of that. We have lots to talk about, and
of course tomorrow night we will have some great programming
here during nightside. We're going to be joined by the
(01:49):
news team. We're going to be joined by national reporters.
I've lined up some special guests, so we got lots
going on. But first off, let's welcome doctor Janet Chortz.
Doctor Kortz, you are a psychologist who specializes in treating
patients in high pressure careers, and you're also founder of
(02:09):
the Boston Psychiatry Practice ASIMA welcome to Nightside. First of all,
how are you tonight?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
I'm doing well. How are you?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I'm doing great. I'm doing great at least it's but
it's early, it's only Monday. Let's let's look at it
like that, right. Tell us about Asimuth Psychological, which I
guess is your practice or you're with a group at
that at that practice.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Yeah, yes, I'm the founder of the practice and it's
a group of psychologists and we help people in high
pressure careers. So we're pretty familiar with the nuances of
a lot of different domains of a lot of high
pressure careers. You know, law, finance, consulting, certainly those are
heavy ones, but academ you a startups, biotech show hosts,
(02:59):
taka well, entertainment is another industry we actually see quite
a few people, and so we are able to sort
of help people navigate the nuances and stresses of those things.
But often that's about a lot of other things. So
we're also able to help with us step underneath as well.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Okay, so the subtopic is here the physical risks of
the always overachieving work life and how to avoid them.
So there are a lot of people who take their
jobs very seriously. I'm sure that you take your job
very seriously. How do you know when you have gone
over the edge and all of a sudden your job
(03:37):
is interfering with the rest of your life. It has
to interact with the rest of your life. At what
point do you cross that rubicon from acting and interacting
with to interfering.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Yeah, So we talk a lot about career enveashment, which
is when people's whole identity becomes wrapped up in their
career and so they don't really have anything else. And
so the way in which we sort of have people
self identify that is by three main questions. One is,
if you go to a party or you know, meet
some friends with friends, or really go anywhere social and
(04:14):
people are introducing each other, what do you say about
yourself if someone asks about you? Can you come up
with anything that's not about your job? So that's a
big one that we talk about. Another one is how
would you feel if you lost your job today? Because
you know, a lot of times people go the way
people arrived us is their company is acquired, or they've
(04:35):
missed a promotion or something like that, and they no
longer have this job that they've so heavily relied on,
and so then they sort of fall apart because their
whole identity is now in question. That's another one. How
do you spend your time when you're not really supposed,
you know, when you don't have to be working. Because
even people in high pressure careers are over two years
(04:55):
as you call them, there's always time in someone's day
when one does not have to be working. And so
what is happening during that time? Are people choosing to work,
do they feel compelled to work, do they like to work?
And what's going on in that time? Is there anything
else that people are doing to spend their time. So
those are kind of the three main ways we sort
of enter into that conversation.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Okay, now, if you talk about, for example, the people
that we know about, let's say, the successful football coaches,
the Bill Belichicks of the world. They obviously Belichick was
known for showing up at work, the first guy there
and the last guy out of the room. Dustin Pedroia
(05:37):
when he played for the Red Sox, he was always
the first guy in the locker room and the last
to leave. And a lot of that is the commitment
that people have to excellence. So how do you distinguish
between someone who has a commitment to excellence an an
overachiever who has gone too far? How do you draw
(05:58):
that line? I mean, there's a lot of people, as
you know, who go to work, they work their eight hours,
they go home and that's it. They really turn it off.
That's one extreme, or people who have never worked could
be in one extreme, and then you have the over
achievers on the other. Look, you look at the job
(06:19):
of you know that will be contested tomorrow, the President
of the United States twenty four seven, the toughest job
in the world. Yeah, I mean, don't we as Americans
always aspire to doing the best job we can, whether
we're an auto mechanic or Taylor Swift for example.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Well, you're talking about specific roles and jobs that are
sort of unique and one off, if you will. You know,
there aren't that many professional athletes, there aren't that many
football coaches. There's only one president, and so there are
certain jobs that require a lot more o.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
The lawyers you taught you mentioned lawyers, Sure, so doctors
in that situation that you always cat continuing education and
all of that. I'm sure you know of what.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
I speak well, right, So The second part of what
I was going to say is that commitment to excellence
does not necessarily it does not equal more time. That
those two things are not always the same. So just
because you want to be excellent at your job does
not mean to spend twenty four hours day doing your job.
Those things don't necessarily go together, and in fact, oftentimes
(07:29):
they do not go together, because most people don't function
their best when all they're doing is one thing, especially
if that thing is extremely stressful, because aside from psychological
impacts that we know about, you know, the physical impacts
of chronic stress are well documented as well, and so
people literally fall apart from the inside out when they
work that hard that often. And so.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I started, I didn't mean to go ahead, you were
completing No.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
No, no, that's okay, go ahead, no. No.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
What I was trying to get at was I think
you've provided with us with a lot of good information
and something to think about. I'm wondering if there's a
website because a lot of people who listen to our
interviews here, which in some cases should be longer, and
maybe we'll have you back if you'd be willing to
(08:17):
do an hour with phone calls. This is an hour
which is for interviews, so I don't get the interaction
of my audience, which I like to do in some
with some topics including this, is there a website you
can refer people too where they could kind of follow
up on their own tomorrow or a book that you
(08:38):
that you'd suggest that people might want to also avail
themselves off.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Well, if you're interested in our website, I picked the
world's most difficult name of a company to spell out,
but as mepsyche dot com, so it's easy. I m
U t hpsych dot com. That's where all of our
central hubs. You'll find all of our clinicians, things we've written,
all of our media. Also, we have some really great
(09:05):
free tools, including a career meshment test, a burnout test,
and a values navigator because we do a lot of
values based work, so that's a good one. And we
have some other things coming out like apps and things
coming in the new year. But that's where the most
of our central hub of publication is to get to
figure out more about what we do and if all
(09:28):
of these things might apply to you. There's also some
resources there about other places books to read, things like that.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
So, and asthmuth, what what brought you to that term?
I'm looking the definition up at angle between a fixed
point and the vertical circle that passes through the center
of an object. Well, I can see how you get
the site. Trust me on that.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Yeah, yeah, yes, So we kind of took a little
liberty in in the definition. But basically people often use
that mathematical calculation for navigating boats way back when before
all the GPS and all ourself ones and such, and
so basically that's right. So asthmas is basically the difference
(10:16):
between where you are and where you want to be.
The difference between those two things is an asthma, and
so we're just trying to help people get from where
they are to wherever it is they want to be.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
That's great, doctor Janet Koritz of Asimuth Psychological A z
I m U T H psych P s y cch
dot com. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the conversation
and it will make me reconsider how hard I'm marking.
Thanks so much, doctor, I appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Right, You're welcome, Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
November, of course, every month has some causes. In November
is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and we're going to talk with
doctor Lakelan Ikeenburger. She's a gerontologist and a here giving expert.
Right after the break again, this is the Alzheimer's Awareness Month,
and it's something that affects a lot of people and
(11:08):
a lot of families. We'll talk with doctor Eikenberger right
after this break here on a Monday night edition of Nightside.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
Now back to Dan Ray Live from the Window World
nights Side Studios on WBZ News Radio.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
November, amongst other things, is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and we're
going to talk with doctor Lakelan Iickenberger, who's a gerontologist
and a caregiving advocate. Doctor Eichenberger, welcome to Nightside. How
are you?
Speaker 5 (11:39):
By damn well? Thanks? How are you?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Which is great? How many people in America are directly
impacted by Alzheimer's not talking about familiar relations, but how
many individuals have Alzheimer's.
Speaker 5 (11:58):
Well, there's nearly six milllion people living with Alzheimer's or
another type of dementia here in the US. And you're right,
that's not even including family members that are also impacted.
Sometimes people say when one person has a diagnosis, the
family has a diagnosis because there is a lot that
impacts the family as well as the individual. So you know,
(12:20):
six million people living with the disease, and then there's
about sixteen million caring for those that are living with
the disease.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
So we talk about Alzheimer's, I assume that under that
phrase or that title is dementia. Correct, you know, it's.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Actually the reverse. So Alzheimer's is a type of dementia.
So dementia is kind of an umbrella term, and then
there's different types, but Alzheimer's is the most common form
of dementia.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
So if Alzheimer's impacts six million individuals out of a
population of three hundred and thirty million people, that's a
little less than two percent. How much greater? How bigger
is the umbrella dementia? Just so I understand which is bigger?
Speaker 5 (13:07):
You know, that's a really good question. I think as
we're learning more about the various types of dementia, we're
realizing that, you know, while there's the six million that
are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it likely also includes a lot
of the other dementias as well. A lot of people
they're living with some sort of cognitive impairment, but maybe
(13:27):
aren't getting that official diagnosic, So it is actually kind
of hard to pinpoint the exact number, but we are
looking in the millions, probably around the six to eight
million marks.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Is Alzheimer's a spectrum disease? And when I say a
spectrum disease, I think of something like multiple sclerosis, where
you can have people who get on a scale of
zero to ten, they get a ten and it's horrific.
And yet there are people who are diagnosed with multiple
sclerosis and they live a fairly normal life. I'm assuming
(14:06):
that with Alzheimer's the diagnosis is always progressive.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Yes, generally that is the case. So you will see
somebody progress through the various stages, and some have more
symptoms or dementilated behaviors than others. You know, some might
have no still kind of a mild manner about them
as they progress to the disease. Others will have a
(14:34):
severe change in their personality and perhaps get aggressive or angry.
So there are different symptoms that can show up amongst
different individuals. But you're right, it is progressive in nature,
meaning that over time the person will eventually experience decline.
And because there's no cure, the person will eventually pass
(14:57):
away from Alzheimer's disease or complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Is there any way to slow down the Has there
been any advances in slowing down the progress of Alzheimer's And.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
That's what's really exciting. I think about this point in
time as we're starting to see more treatments for Alzheimer's disease,
and most recently we're seeing treatments for the very early
stages of Alzheimer's disease, and certain people would qualify.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
So you know, if you've.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
Progressed far enough into the disease and that treatment likely
is it right for you? But if you're able to
get that diagnosis early on and you're a candidate for
that type of treatment, there are some treatments that are
showing a slowing in the progression of the disease. So
it's really an exciting time now.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
My understanding is that there was a period of time
when Alzheimer's disease could not definitively be diagnosed except in
a post modem ought because they were looking for evidence
of I believe plaque on the brain, if I'm not mistaken.
Has that now changed.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
You know, we are seeing more sophisticated methods of diagnosis.
So you're right, at one point in time, you know,
the most definitive way to diagnosis after someone has passed
away to you know, open up the brain and examine it.
But now there are various diagnostic tools like pet scams
(16:28):
that can help really provide a more clear image of
the brain and help identify those plaques entangles, amyloid and
how in the brains that are kind of the hallmark
symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. So we are seeing more sophisticated diagnosis,
and I think what's really exciting is and this is
(16:51):
not out yet for public use, but researchers are looking
into various blood tests or other biomarkers that could make
the diagnostic process, you know, more accessible and just kind
of an easier process as opposed to having to travel
(17:12):
to where a pet skin is available and that sort
of thing. So I think if you if we fast
forward five years from now, we'll be having a very
different conversation. I think there will be a lot more
in the realm of diagnostics for Alzheimer's and other types
of dimensions.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
What percentage of the Alzheimer's diagnoses are genetic, and are
any of the diagnoses non genetic? And of the ones
that are not genetic, can they be avoided by diet exercise?
Is that? What can anyone do either who has been told, hey,
(17:49):
it runs in your family, or is fearful that, even
though it doesn't run in their family, that they may
feel what can I do to prevent that? Or is
there is there any Is there any magic potion? When
I say potion, I better diet, exercise, better sleep patterns?
Speaker 4 (18:07):
An yes.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
So as far as kind of the the risk factors
i'll call them of Alzheimer's use, I don't have the
exact percentages right in front of me, but we do
know the greatest risk factor is age, so as we
get older, the risk of developing Alzheimer's for me does increase.
We also know that family history can increase your risk,
(18:33):
So if it runs in your families, you have a
parent or sibling, you could have an increased risk of
Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. There's also a gene,
the apo lea four gene that could increase the risk
of dementia. But for all of those cases that I've
just mentioned, it doesn't ever guarantee that you will get it.
(18:55):
It just increases your risk. And then there is a
gene that's in a very very small percentage of the
population that significantly increases your risk, if not guarantees that
evil develop it. But again it's a very very very
small subset of the population. But the good news is,
and you alluded to it, Dan, is lifestyle. There's so
(19:16):
much we are learning about how our lifestyle can reduce
our risk of developing the mentioned down the road. So
even if you do have a family history, even if
you do have that equalia for gene, if you start
these kind of lifestyle risk reduction habits early on in
your life, you can reduce the risk. And it's actually
(19:37):
never too late to start these risk reduction habits, things
like diet, as you mentioned exercise. Exercise is so good
for the brain. Also making sure you're getting enough sleep,
that you continue to engage socially and to challenge your
brain to learn new things. So those kinds of lifestyle
interventions can again help reduce the risk, which I think
(20:01):
is good news for us all.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
It's always great to end on a positive and you
certainly provided a lot of clear information I just am delighted.
We don't rehearse these interviews. You obviously know exactly how
to present yourself. You did a great job, Dr Eichenberger.
And maybe some night I can have you back and
(20:24):
we can do an hour and take phone calls in
this hour of the program. We specifically avoid phone calls
because the time for the interviews for separate interviews are
relatively short. But I might have my producer reach back
if possible. Is there anywhere that you'd like to refer
people to a website, a book of any sort that
(20:45):
people could use as an additional resource to this interview
or to just I guess at Alzheimer's website, Alzheimer's Foundation
of America, for example.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
Yeah, well, Dan, I would be happy to come back anytime.
And there are various Alzheimer's related organizations. The Alzheimer's Association
ALV dot org is a great one. And then on
our home instead dot com website, we also have some
informative resources on kind of those risk reduction lifestyle factors,
but also all types of dementia related care tips as well.
(21:19):
So you can visit home in said dot com to
learn about those. When that went, buy me a little
home home what dot com home instead? Like, do you
want to stay home instead of going anywhere else?
Speaker 2 (21:30):
YEP, okay, H O, M E I N S T
A D dot com Dotdikenberg really enjoyed the conversation. Tough subject,
but I think you've you've made some people think tonight,
which is what we're all about here on Nightside.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
Thank you so much, Thank you, very welcome.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
When we get back, we're going to talk with the
CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate.
It's located right over by the JFK Library. I'm going
to talk with Adam Hines, former state senator here in Massachusetts,
who is the CEO of their effort to educate the
public about the important role of the Senate and foster
participatory democracy, civil discourse, and good government. Of course, this
(22:09):
on the eve of the twenty twenty four presidential election.
Timing is perfect. We'll talk with former Massachusetts state Senator
Adam Hines right after this break at news at the
bottom of the hour.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
You're on Night Side with Dan Ray on w b Z,
Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Delighted to welcome Adam Hines. He's the CEO of the
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, Former Massachusetts
State Senator Adam Welcome to Nightside. How are you, sir.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Great to be here. The timing is good for talking
about elections and all things democracy.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
No doubt, no doubt. One of the themes of this show,
and I think you'll identify with that, is that when
you and I were in school, and I was in
school probably long before you, we actually look learned about
the Bill of Rights and the Constitution and the way
the government works, and the balance of power and the legislative,
(23:08):
the judicial, and the executive and all of that. And
I think that a lot of schools have backed off
of that. Now. I've been at the Kennedy Institute, as
a matter of fact, was able to moderate a program
there a few years ago, and tell us about the
role that this institute, which is right next door to
(23:29):
the JF. Kennedy Library out of Columbia Point, plans to play.
It's a beautiful facility, by the way, and the room
that is it was the epitome of the United States Senate.
You felt you were on the floor of the US Senate.
It's a magnificent room. Tell us about it all.
Speaker 6 (23:45):
That's right. It's an exact replica, one to one scale
of the United States Senate. There's only one other one
in the world that exists, and that is the center
of a lot of our programming. And every year we
work with twenty thousandstudents. They become a Senator for a day,
and it's powerful and important. To your point. One of
(24:07):
the first bills that I voted on was the Massachusetts
Civics Reform and Requirement. But Massachusetts is in the minority.
Civics education is being cut across the country, and so
we shouldn't be surprised when we see some of the
polls that have come out that show, you know, less
than one third of millennials think that it is essential
(24:28):
to live in a democracy. I mean, it's just amazing.
And it's one poll after another show that either our
understanding amongst our youth or their commitment to democracy is
being undermined. And so that's that's a big piece of
the Institute. Really. In the last couple of years, we've
(24:49):
we've stood up a range of new programs focusing on democracy.
We've we've locked elbows with the Institute of three former
Republican senators being McCain, Dole, and Hatch to really dig
into ways that we can make sure that the United
States Senate is functioning. We're working with former senators and
current senators and making sure that we're modeling deliberation and
(25:13):
so that our governing institutions function well. And that's just
as critical protecting democracy as anything else. If folks don't
see that the government is representing them and standing up
for them, then their faith and democracy starts to be
tested as well. So an incredible set of programs that
we have running right now, and it feels as timely
(25:35):
has ever given the state of our democracy.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
Yeah, one of the numbers you quoted, how many high
school students get an opportunity to visit your institute every year?
What's the number right now?
Speaker 6 (25:47):
Sixteen thousand come through the doors, and then we do
about then we work with about six thousand more across
the country virtually. I'll give you an example. Just last week,
we had about thousand students from across the country talking
with each other in eight different states, or from eight
different states talking with each other about the pros and
(26:08):
cons of the electoral college. And and so that's a
new since COVID, a new way we're engaging and making
sure that we were getting into just about every state
in the country and teaching them and working with them
on their their understanding of our democracy.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
So the students that come through the doors, because when
you come through the doors and again you experience the Senate,
it's it's just an amazing experience. Are they all from
Massachusetts or from across New England? What's what's the sort
of geographical reach And obviously with zoom and all of that,
you can reach everywhere around the world, but what is
the geographical reach of people student programs that come in
(26:48):
through the doors.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
Yeah, you wouldn't be surprised to hear that there's a
large concentration in Massachusetts and New England. But boyle boy,
I'm surprised because we the given year, we can probably
have twenty one different states represented in the students coming
into the institute itself, and so the you know, there's
a real commitment amongst teachers and schools across the country
(27:13):
and we get to work with them one on one,
which is just gram Now.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
I think most people in Massachusetts and certainly well New England,
but certainly Massachusetts have at some point visited the Kennedy Library.
I actually it was the Channel four's host the day
that the Kennedy Library was formerly open, when President Jimmy
Carter came and spoke back in fifteen seventy seventy nine,
which was a very memorable memory of that occasion. Well,
(27:42):
that was the time when Ted Kennedy was about to
announce his challenge of Carter. It was very it was
a historic moment, obviously in a very significant moment, but
it is people. People can visit the Kennedy Library as
individuals and his families can that be done at the
Kennedy institut t as well the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
(28:03):
for the Senate as well.
Speaker 6 (28:05):
Yeah, it's great to hear you talk about opening day.
We're at our ten year anniversary is coming up to
twenty twenty five, and so keep on the lookout. We'll
be giving you updates on the major events that we'll
be taking on throughout the year.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
So our bread and butter right now is the students
that come through and we do a number of public
programs and right now anyone can come in by appointment,
and we're about to restore a broader set of hours
during the week, during business hours for a walk in.
So we have a pretty lively museum. You know, we
(28:40):
mentioned the Senate Chamber, but there's also the Senator's office,
and the vision has been how do you make sure
that people know how the Senate functions even though we're
working across the government on people's awareness specific education, and
so the museum aspects have this interactive advanced technology to
allow you to interact with how the Senate functions as well.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
I'm going to throw an idea, right, I'm sure you
probably have thought of this and you have dismissed it.
What are the chances do you think of actually having
a US Senate session fly the US the United States
Center up and have them spend I'm serious, I know
I love that. Have you thought I'm sure if someone has,
I'm not the first who suggested that. Obviously, logistically it
(29:25):
would be very difficult.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
I assume it is.
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Well, here's an exciting thing that we did this summer.
We had two senators debating each other. Chuck Todd moderated
between Bill kaz the Republican of Louisiana, and Sheldon white House,
Democratic Rhode Island, and they were on c SPAN debating
from the chamber and so that it had a feel
of being the actual Senate session, and we do that regularly.
(29:50):
I should say that that's one of our programs we
do with the Hatch Foundation and our news partners, typically
Fox News. It's also been CBS and c SPAN to
model deliberation and debate for the nation. And we haven't
talked about having the full Senate session in there, but
we have talked about, you know, maybe hearings and other
(30:12):
high profile events that could benefit from the location like that.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
What were Cassidy and white House debating, I hope with
something more exciting than the name of a post office.
The subject was in dispute, if you recall.
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Yeah, it was basically the climate and energy China. We
allow the senators to choose one topic each and the
moderator to choose a topic. And you know, last September
we had Marco Rubio and Chris Coons debating on CBS
and they similarly went the direction of having a foreign
policy topic and a domestic policy topic. And I'll say this,
(30:51):
when they get in person and talk, they often say
thank you for doing this because right now division is
impacting the Senate to such a dramatic degree that we
can't even you know, have this debate in the arena
of the Senate itself. We can't bring bills to the
floor effectively and even filing amendments. Now, the division in
our country is starting to impact the functioning of our Senate.
(31:13):
And that's what we're working on with the McCain Institute
and making sure that you know our group of we
have a group of former senators who are really working
with us to see what we can do to make
for changes in the Senate so that it's working well.
And so we have a pretty robust and growing setup.
Programs focus on democracy. I should say this. The third
(31:34):
one is because tomorrow's election day. With the Bob Dole
Institute out in Kansas, we're about to announce next week,
I guess I'm announcing it now, a report that's on
the horizon around how do we bolster the funding of
our elections infrastructure because right now tomorrow, eight thousand jurisdiction
(31:55):
elections jurisdictions across the country are largely going to be
run by volunteer years, largely going to be run in
small towns by clerks and others who take on four
or five different jobs, and it's a lot of work,
and we don't invest in our basic foundations of our democracy,
and that's a problem. So we're doing a lot of
(32:16):
work in that regard as well.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
All right, well, Adam, I appreciate it very much. Adam Hines,
who is the CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
for the US Senate. If you get a chance, folks,
it's a wonderful trip to go to both the Kennedy
Library and the Kennedy Institute for the US Senate. Adam,
thanks very much, appreciate your time tonight.
Speaker 6 (32:34):
Thanks love, Thanks for having me on.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
You're very welcome. We'll come back and talk about November
being National Family Caregiver Month. Yes, different subjects can be
the focus in particular months. Early we talked about Alzheimer's
who were in this month. This is similar National Family
Caregiver Month. Going to talk with Bob Coughlin. He is
the co host of a podcast called In Sickness Men
(32:56):
in the Culture of Caregiving. Back on Night's Side right
after this.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Now back to Dan ray Mine from the Window World
Nightsides CEOs on WBZ.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
The news radio November is, amongst other things, National Family
Caregiver Month, an event that is recognized with an official
proclamation by the White House with us as Bob Coughlin,
he is the co host of a podcast entitled In
Sickness Men in the Culture of Caregiving. Bob Coughlin, Welcome
to Night's Side. You are a caregiver. You've also been
(33:29):
very much involved in the Massachusetts political scene and also
you the CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Organization, but you
have had the caregiving experience. Tell us about your experience
as a caregiver and why it is so important for
men also to understand that they have a role in
(33:50):
the culture of caregiving.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (33:53):
Absolutely, and thanks for having me Dan. And you know,
I was involved in government here in Massachusetts and the
CEO of mass and a lot of people didn't realize
the reason I got into that line of work and
was an advocate in the House and an advocate at
mass Bio for Patients is because twenty two years ago
my wife and I found out we were going to
have a child with cystic fibrosis. And you know, immediately
(34:14):
both her and I were thrust into that role of
caregivers and it's such an important thing and there's a
lot of areas that needed to be addressed, and that's
how we got into the idea of having this podcast.
It was actually Paul Kidwell, someone who I met while
at mass Bio. He was in the communications team over
at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and his wife is battling chronic illness
(34:36):
and he was a caregiver and we would talk about
it quite a bit, and just as of lady said,
wouldn't it be great to create a platform and a
place for men who are caregivers to you know, get
feedback and be part of the discussion and learn from
some successes and some mistakes. And it's been quite successful.
It's been very therapeutic and enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
How long have you been involved in the podcast.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
We've had the podcast. Yeah, they've been doing it for
about a year now, and you know, it's been real
interesting and it's you know, it says in sickness men
in the culture of caregiving. And this isn't about men
versus women or anything like that. I mean, women have
predominantly been known as caregivers, but there's so many times
when you know, spouses, a wife will get sick or
(35:24):
a mom or dad will get sick, or a child
is sick, and you know, we just thought that would
be really interesting to bring in men caregivers and women
caregivers and talk about how we can learn from them.
So when they're doing about a year, we've had some
real interesting guests on the show, and we've focused on
cancer and Alzheimer's and you know, as of late, we've
(35:46):
been talking a lot about caregiver burnout, you know, and
what is it that you can do to avoid burning
out when you're trying to work, provide for a family
and care for a loved one.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
I think all of us are familiar with the name
cystic fibrosis. Your son has made tremendous progress, has recently
graduated from college and is now out in the workplace
on his own. So yours is a story of great
sacrifice but also great success.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Yeah, it's amazing. It's really come full circle, Dan and
the advances and your earlier guests, when doctor Eichenberger was
talking about Alzheimer's. In hopefully five years from now, it's
going to be a totally different story. Well, the transformation
that we've seen in the care for cystic fibrosis. With
local biotech companies like Vertex and local heroes like Joe
(36:42):
O'Donnell who has raised so much money for research for
cystic fibrosis, we've been able to transform this disease. And
my son Bobby took his first dose of a DOUG,
a drug cult tri Capita that took eighteen years to invent.
It took his first dose it would be five years
November eight and since that day, he's grown, you know,
(37:04):
twelve inches, gained about fifty pounds, his lung function's gone
back to what it was when he was just four
years old, and he's graduated from college and now he's
actually working as a patient advocate and membership professional at
mass Bio here in Massachusetts. So it's just truly we're
filled with gratitude and and yeah, it is a great ending.
(37:25):
A lot of the times these stories don't have a
good ending like that, but that's something you know that
my wife and I and our family's very grateful for.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
Well, we all know the success of the Joey Fund,
and with Joe and Kathy O'Donnell, yes, I went through
as well as their son Joey. And as you said,
the millions of dollars that Joe O'Donnell raised, unfortunately lost.
Joe was such a great many here and you know
(37:54):
from Boston, you know great you know, Harvard football and
baseball player, tremendous business success, and yet they were they
were caregivers.
Speaker 6 (38:05):
Just that's right.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
There has to be for all the families out there
to understand the sacrifice. But also, I guess the satisfaction
of knowing that they're standing by their child or they're
standing by their spouse. Talk about the satisfaction number one,
and then let's talk about what needs to be done
going forward.
Speaker 4 (38:27):
If you can, well, you know, in my whole life,
there's nothing more rewarding than being able to provide and
be there for my child. I think that's what any
parent would do. And you know, when you talk with
other folks who are taking care of a parent or
a spouse or a child, you know, to have that
(38:48):
group of folks that you can share the successes and
more importantly, dan share some of the failures. And you know,
when we talk about some of the challenges that caregivers face,
when you think of the mental stress, the physical exhaustion,
the isolation, that loneliness, never mind the financial burden and
trying to balance your job and when you feel like
(39:11):
nobody else in the world understands what you're going through.
There are so many people out there that do understand,
because in some shape or form, we all become a
caregiver at some point. Right, it's inevitable that that's never.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
I'm running out of time. We should have okay, more time,
but let me ask you give us the podcast and
how can folks find it?
Speaker 4 (39:32):
Yeah, the podcast is called In Sickness Men in the
Culture of Caregiving. It's available on all podcast platforms, including iHeartRadio.
You can visit our websites insickness dot org for any
other information. And it's it's really everybody should listen. It's
it's really a good program to listen to for anyone
who's going to be in the caregiving mode.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
Bobble, congratulations to you a family, you and your family,
and congratulations to your son on his perseverance and success.
Speaker 4 (40:01):
Really enjoy Thanks so much, Dan, thank you.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
Thank you so much for everything you've done. Bob Coughlin,
the podcast host of In Sickness Men and the Culture
of Caregiving. When we get back, we're going to talk
about the story of the night in that selection eve,
A lot going on in the next twenty four forty
eight seventy two hours. We'll see. We will start our
special election coverage right after the nine o'clock news are
(40:26):
on night Side
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